Spelunky beginner survival guide: traps, bombs, ropes and the Ghost
Learn the repeatable rules behind Spelunky HD’s changing layouts.
Edition covered
Spelunky HD: the 2012 remake, released on PC in 2013. These are Mossmouth’s HD Steam screenshots. The 2008 freeware game and Spelunky 2 have different routes, equipment behavior and secrets.
Inspect the landing before dropping
Look down from a ledge and identify spikes, enemies and the next escape route. A fall that looks short can become lethal when a bat or arrow knocks the explorer onward.
| Hazard | Reliable response | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Arrow trap | Trigger with a carried object | Walking into its firing line |
| Spikes | Land beside them or cross safely | Blind drops from above |
| Bat | Face it with room to whip | Fighting at a narrow ledge |
| Bomb blast | Move behind safe terrain | Standing near the explosion |
| Ghost | Find and use the exit | Staying for one more small treasure |
Trigger arrow traps from safety
Throw or drop an object through an arrow trap’s firing line before crossing. Verify it has fired; assuming a trap is empty because no arrow is visible is unreliable.
| Resource | Main purpose | Good use |
|---|---|---|
| Bomb | Break terrain or damage a threat | Create a safe route to the exit |
| Rope | Reach upward or control descent | Recover a missed ledge |
| Heart | Survival buffer | Protect it over low-value treasure |
| Damsel rescue | Restores one heart at the exit | Choose a carry route that is safe |
| Rock or pot | Triggers traps and hits enemies | Carry one when entering unknown corridors |
Spend bombs on a safer route
Bombs can open the path to the exit or a valuable resource. Use them before a dangerous detour costs several hearts, while checking blast range and nearby shopkeepers.
Respect the Ghost clock
In standard HD levels the Ghost normally arrives after two and a half minutes. Beginners should leave rather than turn every floor into a full treasure sweep.
The most valuable treasure is the one you can collect without spending the health needed for the next level.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Spelunky publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Spelunky HD Hell route reference | spelunky.fandom.com |